If you’re interested in townhome living at Wildlight, we have one word for you: hurry. Because Dostie Homes is down to their final five floorplans. Located near our village center, these townhomes are the perfect blend of craftsmanship and convenience (not to mention space and style and flexibility and indoor/outdoor living). We’re talking covered lanais, private owners’ suites, upstairs lofts and more. And we can spend all day writing about the five remaining floorplans (see below), but a picture is worth a thousand words. A virtual tour? Well that’s worth even more.
About the Floorplans
TYBEE
You know that whole notion of “form and function”? The Tybee covers off on both. Design details like smooth walls, custom wood window sills and more add style and elevated detail. And features like a second-floor laundry room add functionality (say hello to not dragging laundry baskets up and down stairs). You could say less work is sort of a thing here, because you won’t have to do any home maintenance, either. In all your newfound downtime (!), enjoy the breathing room that the open floor plan provides. Or breathe in the fresh air on the covered lanai — breeze, courtesy of a thoughtfully added ceiling fan. (We suggest bringing a good book out with you.)
DORCHESTER
Looking for space? The Dorchester has you covered. With lots of living space — including a Great Room with airy vaulted ceiling, a perfectly sized kitchen island, an outdoor lanai and more. And much-welcome personal space, like a recharge-inducing main-floor owners’ suite (complete with a huge walk-in closet that could very well be a room of its own). Upstairs, two other bedrooms provide private getaways for the other members of your household, and a flex room means you can have that movie room/game room/workout room/office you’ve always wanted. (Lucky you!)
PIEDMONT
Walk into the Piedmont and you’re walking into the heart of the home: the Great Room and kitchen. Make a quick stop by to grab a snack or glass of sweet tea before you head down the hallway to the lanai. Or if you’d rather unwind elsewhere, consider the owners’ suite, which might be more accurately called a retreat. It’s tucked away in its very own corner at the back of the home, right next to the door to the lanai, for some well-deserved peace and quiet, and no shortage of sunlight. Bonus: even the stairs are at the front of the house. (In other words, no foot traffic to disturb you).
THE CHARLESTON
One of the biggest choices you’ll have to make when you live in the Charleston? Where to eat breakfast. Around the spacious island? In the eat-in kitchen? Or out on the covered lanai? (Our suggestion: take your coffee outside, then come in for the rest.) Of course, the rest of the day will have you appreciating the rest of the livable space in this two-story home. Like the welcoming owners’ suite that’s all about main-floor ease and comfort — and maybe a little peace and quiet while the kids do their homework/watch TV/play video games in the loft upstairs.
THE BERKLEY
It’s quite a perk when part of your living space is outdoors. And the covered lanai in the Berkley provides just that. A place to enjoy the Florida weather, while staying comfortably out of the sun. Of course, once you do decide to head indoors, the Great Room will welcome you with open arms (or should we say open space)? With an airy living area-meets dining area-meets kitchen helps the whole family stay connected, even if they’re technically not in the ‘same room.’ Of course, should you want a little space to yourself, the main-floor flex room can be used as an office or craft room. Enjoy.
Being residents here, we know about all the things that make living in our little part of the country so great. But for those of you who may be considering a move from New Jersey, Georgia, New York or anywhere else in the U.S., you may want to know about the benefits of being a “Northeast Floridian.”
There’s always great weather (and a beach where you can enjoy it).
Sunny days and mild winters are the norm here. And there’s no better place to soak in the rays than one of the myriad beaches that dot our shoreline. From calm and quiet, to social and surf-worthy, there are a variety of spots (and beach towns) to enjoy the sun and sand.
Our county keeps growing — and so do the job opportunities.
As more people come to our county, so do more businesses and jobs. In the past two years, nearly every industry has seen the employment rate rise — and particularly in medical careers at facilities like UF Health (which has a location right at Wildlight!). In fact, the unemployment rate is about 2% lower than the national average.
Statewide tax breaks can put a little cash back in your pocket.
Our governor just signed a bill that provides tax breaks on items that include diapers and children’s clothes, gas, EnergyStar appliances and more. Some are “tax holidays” and some are longer-lasting—like the fact that since 1924, Florida hasn’t had a state income tax.
There’s always something to do.
Head into Jacksonville for a day at a state preserve, a night at the symphony or a Jaguars game at TIAA Bank Field. Or head to beachy Amelia Island or Saint Augustine for a quintessential Florida feel.
Of course, Wildlight is a pretty big deal, too.
We’re a true town in nature, with ways to stay healthy and happy, right in our community. Miles of trails. Creative parks. A UF Health and YMCA right in our neighborhood. And a true village center with everything from daycare and a dentist, to sushi, tacos, ice cream shops and more. (Bonus: if you work at one of the above-mentioned places, your commute couldn’t be much shorter.)
The kids here go to top-notch schools (including our own Wildlight Elementary) in the highly rated Nassau County School District. Front porches tend to turn into spots for spontaneous happy hours. And community events mean there’s plenty of fun for our residents to take part in. And that’s just IN Wildlight. We’re ideally situated smack dab between Amelia Island and Jacksonville, which means beachside lounging and culture experiencing are an equal distance away, too.
The best part? We’re only getting started.
So, have you called the movers yet? We’ll be waiting for you!
In the interest of efficiency, we’ll let you know you can skip this entire article if you simply go tour the nine new model homes that Del Webb recently unveiled in Wildlight. We’ll do our best to briefly describe the homes and the whole wonderful place that Del Webb is creating here in Wildlight. But as always, the real thing is so much better than words.
Ok, now that we’ve gotten the disclaimer out of the way, let’s dive in.
When it comes to creating beautiful homes designed to make life easy and comfortable, nobody has more experience than Del Webb. And in Wildlight, Del Webb is offering four home collections, which include 16 of Del Webb’s most popular floor plans. From the surprisingly attainable Villa Series, with prices starting in the $300s, all the way up to the open, flowing spaces and elegant finishes of the Estates Series, priced from the $500s. Altogether, the homes offer anywhere from 1,343 square feet and two bedrooms to more than 3,300 square feet and five bedrooms.
The primary takeaway here is that with this kind of variety, you’re sure to find a home plan that fits your life plan.
Here’s something else to know about these homes, something that’s pretty special. In Wildlight, Del Webb is offering a lowcountry-inspired architectural style that’s available nowhere else. With raised front porches and other charming details, this exclusive style honors the Florida lowcountry spirit that is at the heart of Wildlight. After all, this is a place where you can get out on a trail and explore parks and wetlands and Florida lowcountry nature in all its unfiltered glory.
But suppose you’re looking for fun that’s a little closer to home. Del Webb has you luxuriously covered. Construction has already begun on what will be a 16,000-square-foot resort-style clubhouse amenity. Think onsite bar and grill. Pickleball and tennis courts. An event lawn and community event room. A huge menu of interesting classes: yoga, cooking, wine-tasting and so forth. Oh, and a swimming pool that feels like your own private neighborhood lagoon. All planned to open in 2023.
So now that you’ve read a little about the new homes and soon-to-be amenities of Del Webb Wildlight, ready for a tour? Feel free to drop by any day of the week from 9:30am to 5:30pm except for Wednesdays and Sundays, which are open noon to 5:30pm.
Then again, if you just can’t wait to explore the homes, click directly over to the new Wildlight.com.
Let’s get real here. We certainly understand why South Carolina would want to lay exclusive claim to the lowcountry. After all, it’s one of the most naturally beautiful, culturally rich regions in all of North America. But sorry, Charleston, you’re not the only place that has sea islands, long beaches and an inland geography characterized by lush forests and wetlands brimming over with wildlife.
The geographical fact is, the lowcountry extends from the Santee River north of Charleston down past Savannah, Georgia, all the way to the St. Johns River that runs through Jacksonville. In fact, all you have to do is hop on Google maps and look at that stretch of the Atlantic coastline, and you’ll say to yourself, “Yep, that all looks pretty much the same.”
Of course we also understand that the lowcountry is more than a certain kind of geography. It’s a unique intersection of cultures and cuisines. And we happily acknowledge that as you travel from South Carolina to northeastern Florida, the cultural tone changes. It’s still lowcountry, but it gets more relaxed. More beachy. Instead of the quaint formality of Charleston and Savannah, you find the laid-back vibe of Amelia Island. You could say that in Florida, the lowcountry trades in its bow tie and seersucker for board shorts and a pair of flip-flops.
Then there are the homes. As with other places around the globe, classic lowcountry homes are a direct response to local weather. A raised first floor was a defense against high water. Tall ceilings helped to keep the indoors cooler. And a big front porch provided a shady place for everyone to come together and enjoy a cold drink and some neighborly conversation. In Wildlight, we’ve created a fresh interpretation of lowcountry style. Here you’ll find plenty of porches and high ceilings. But the forms are simpler, more streamlined. With a contemporary flair that just feels … right.
Fortunately, what doesn’t change with Florida’s version of lowcountry is the yumminess of the food. The shrimp are just as fresh, the grits are just as creamy and the lowcountry boil is just as delicious and messy as anywhere else along this magnificent stretch of coastline. Maybe even a bit tastier. And around here, you can follow it up with a slice of made-from-scratch key lime pie.
Our Porchfest Model Home Tour was a fun-filled couple of weeks, and a celebration of community—from the fresh homes to the fresh food and the fresh air. We gathered together to celebrate neighbors, nature and all the things that make Wildlight so special.
For those who couldn’t make it, here’s what you missed: live music from local artists (a feast for the ears), six beautiful model homes to tour (a feast for the eyes) and delicious fare from local eateries (a feast for … well, a literal feast).
It was our way of showcasing the wonderful way that Wildlight lives. We like to say we’re a new kind of Florida lowcountry. A town in nature, where your new home is an easy walk or ride (bike or golf cart) from a town center full of shops, restaurants, a YMCA, parks and trails. A place where, whether you prefer coastal or Craftsman, you can find a home that fits your flavor. And a spot where, without a doubt, the porch is the perfect place to spend time with family and friends.
We already can’t wait for next time.
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At Wildlight, we like to say we’re “town in nature.” And our distinct neighborhoods let you experience exactly that. Whether you choose to make your home nearer the “town” part, or the “nature,” you’ll get to experience a new kind of lowcountry living. One where trails and wetland preserves are right out your door. And an ice cream shop (and more) is just down the street.
Founder’s Park
Wildlight’s first (and most centrally located) neighborhood, Founder’s Park puts you closest to the center of town. Which means you’ll be a short walk away from shops, restaurants and local businesses.
Founder’s park is home to local North Florida builder Dostie. There are still a few townhome plans by Dostie available—the last opportunities in the neighborhood.
Forest Park
Surrounded by parks and walking trails, Forest Park is nearest to nature (and the YMCA that’s right in the community). And those with kids, take note: it’s also home to Wildlight Elementary and Waterbug Park pool.
Forest Park features 19 floorplans (yes, 19) between Mattamy Homes and Riverside Homes. And Pulte Homes just introduced 5 new single-family plans (and opened two brand-new models).
Del Webb Wildlight
This gated 55+ neighborhood is coming in spring 2022, and is equal parts luxury and low-maintenance. The one-story homes put everything you need on one level—and resort-style amenities like an exclusive clubhouse, pool, fitness center, social events and more will provide leisure opportunities just for Del Webb Wildlight residents.
Stay up to date on Del Webb Wildlight >
The Lofts at Wildlight
While these for-rent apartments aren’t necessarily a ‘neighborhood,’ they certainly live like one. One-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes – from 662 – 1,368 square feet – offer the latest in convenience and comfort. These pet-friendly buildings also include a swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, fitness center and more.
So, which will you choose? (Spoiler alert: you can’t go wrong.)
And if there isn’t something available that fits your needs right now, stay tuned. We’ll be announcing more options this spring.
Memorial Day Weekend is usually a time to enjoy being with friends and family as we remember and honor our nation’s fallen heroes. If your annual traditions involve attending parades and family picnics or traveling long distances, you may be feeling down that COVID-19 has put a damper on this year’s plans. The good news is that you don’t have to stay stuck at home all weekend. Here are a few ways you can spend the weekend close to FLOCO while safely social distancing.
EXPLORING AT FORT CLINCH STATE PARK
Several state parks are now open for limited activities, so why not enjoy a day at one of our own local gems? Fort Clinch offers many things to do for nature and history lovers alike. Though all campsites appear to be booked for the holiday weekend, you can still enjoy hiking the Willow Pond Nature Trail, wildlife watching, shark tooth hunting on the beaches, and of course, checking out the incredible 19th century fort.
RELAXING ON FERNANDINA BEACH
The best reason to live on Florida’s First Coast is our beautiful beaches. Thankfully, Fernandina Beach is open from 6am-9pm with parking available in select areas. Many Fernandina Beach restaurants are open for takeout so you can grab lunch at one of many great places on your way to or from the beach. Check out the list of open restaurants here.
Though there won’t be a parade this year, The Marine Corp League will be hosting a Memorial Day ceremony at Fernandina Beach’s Veteran’s Memorial Monument at 11:00am on Monday. Visitors are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing.
SOAKING UP HISTORY IN ST. AUGUSTINE
America’s oldest city is just an hour south of FLOCO and well worth the trip! Although the historic Castillo de San Marcos is still closed, there are plenty of other ways to spend a day in beautiful St. Augustine. Many tour companies and museums are open with social distancing protocols in place, including Ancient City Tours, The Lightner Museum, Old Town Trolley and many more. You can find a full list of open attractions, shops and restaurants here.
SHOPPING AT ST. JOHNS TOWN CENTER
If you need to stock up on summer wardrobe staples, browse new home décor or upgrade your phone, many stores at St. Johns Town Center are open. Take advantage of special Memorial Day weekend deals and enjoy curbside pick-up from select dining spots. Visit the store directory to check the status of your favorite shops and restaurants.
However you decide to spend your time right here in Northeast Florida, we hope you have a great weekend and stay safe!
The Floco Festival is coming soon — and we’re thrilled to welcome Florida’s own Sister Hazel to headline the musical festivities. Florida has a rich history with music — relaxing, getting in the groove, and lowcountry living is the perfect inspiration for great music. Here are five bands you may not realize are from Florida.
Sister Hazel
This one’s a bit of a giveaway, since we just mentioned they’re headlining our Floco Festival this year. The band blends southern rock (more on that shortly), folk rock, classic rock and a time-honored but maybe little-known treble guitar style called jangle pop*. In doing so, they captured the sound of the 90s with Billboard hit “All For You.”
Tom Petty
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Tom Petty also hails from Gainesville, Florida, where he was born and raised before he became the front man for Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers. Petty actually started his musical career in Gainesville in a band called the Epics with several future Heartbreakers. They didn’t break the Top 40 until their second album, but hit platinum with their third, Damn the Torpedoes, which featured three of their most popular singles: “Don’t Do Me Like That”, “Here Comes My Girl” and “Refugee”.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Synonymous with southern rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd was actually one of a few bands to emerge from the Jacksonville area’s lively music scene. Famous for hits like “Free Bird” and “Sweet Home Alabama”, the band came up in the same region as the Allman Brothers Band and Molly Hatchet, bringing a country sensibility to rock ‘n’ roll culture.
*NSYNC/Backstreet Boys
It may be a hot take to group these two together, but it was also impossible to list one without the other. At the height of the teen pop craze, the only true rivals in the boy band music scene were *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys, with a crowd of imitators in their wake. Mixing R&B, dance pop and hip hop, both bands topped the charts with hits like “I Want It That Way” and “Bye Bye Bye.”
*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jangle
WILDLIGHT, FL – February 3, 2020 – Skinner Bros. Realty is continuing expansion at Wildlight with a new multi-tenant retail complex that will bring additional retail, restaurant and specialty service offerings to the area’s Village Center. This is the third overall building development and second multi-tenant retail complex in Wildlight by the Jacksonville-based real estate developers. The building is slated for completion in August 2020 and will continue to advance the community’s growth and progression.
“We’re thrilled to welcome several new high-quality and convenient shopping, dining and specialty services to the rapidly growing Wildlight community,” said Chet Skinner, vice president of Skinner Bros. Realty. “Our second multi-tenant retail complex will contribute to the four years of continued work in Nassau County, joining a well-rounded selection of businesses already established in the area such as Tasty’s Fresh Burgers and Fries, Cold Stone Creamery, AT&T and more.”
Skinners Bros. Realty submitted a preliminary site plan to Nassau County’s Development Review Committee in September 2019, with construction having begun in January 2020. The 11,640-square-foot mixed-use building is located on State Road 200, just east of the community’s main entrance, and will serve as an extension of the Wildlight Village Center’s current offerings. Inspired by the community’s Florida Lowcountry architecture and outdoor-living approach, the complex’s exterior will maintain the unique authenticity of the culture, lifestyle and heritage. The development will feature simple lines, native Florida landscaping and a color palette to complement the community’s natural surroundings.
This retail complex will bring additional lifestyle-focused businesses and services within walking distance to about 600 homes and apartments in Wildlight. Anejo Cocina Mexicana restaurant will anchor the complex and take up 3,700 square feet, leaving 1,800 square feet to Dep Nails & Spa and 6,140 square feet to lease up. The remaining tenant spaces are broken up between 1,200 and 2,500 square feet. In the coming months, developers hope to announce additional businesses to round out the already confirmed restaurant and specialty services spaces.
“We are pleased to continue working with Skinner Bros. Realty on the expansion of Wildlight,” said Chris Corr, president of Raydient Places + Properties. “We have secured a solid foundation of retail shops, restaurants and sought-after services that will support the community’s recent growth and demand, as well as help attract additional unique, local and regional tenants.”
Looking ahead, Skinner Bros. Realty is planning three additional developments composed of single-tenant and multi-tenant buildings at Wildlight’s Village Center. Other community developments in the area slated to open this year include Fairfield Inn & Suites, The Lofts at Wildlight, St. Clare Early Learning Center and Yulee KinderCare.
About Skinner Bros. Realty
Skinner Bros. Realty Company, established in January 1999, is a developer, investor, owner and manager of retail, office and mixed-use properties. The firm specializes in acquisition, planning, permitting, development and marketing of real estate as well as the representation of individual and corporate clients in the search for premier business locations.
About Wildlight
Wildlight is envisioned as a new town inspired by a character, culture and pattern of living that we call “Florida Lowcountry,” where play is a part of every day and the natural world is a natural part of life. The plan for Wildlight includes a mix of homes, townhomes and rental apartments together with shops and restaurants, a new elementary school and a system of trails and pathways intended to make it healthy and walkable and connect it all together. Wildlight offers comfortable and friendly Florida Lowcountry living 20 miles north of Jacksonville, just east of Interstate 95 on A1A, with easy access to both Amelia Island and the Jacksonville International Airport. Wildlight is being created by Raydient Places + Properties, a taxable subsidiary of Rayonier Inc., a real estate investment trust. For more information please visit Wildlight.com.
The New Year is a perfect time for big plans, living better and a happier you. Even little changes in your activities and your perspective can make a major difference in the coming months. That’s exactly the kind of thinking that Wildlight was built around, and wherever you are in 2020, we’ve got a few ideas for resolutions to make the year ahead a great one.
Spend More Time Outdoors
The outdoors rejuvenate the soul. The fresh air and open spaces let you breathe, relax or just have some fun. Whether it’s hiking a nature trail, visiting the local park or a fun-filled day at the community pool, it makes an impact on your mood and well-being. So, carve out some time to escape those four walls and enjoy what outside has to offer.
Make New Friends
New faces. New ideas. Meeting new people is the best! A friendly wave and “hello” is an easy start and might just kick of a great conversation or a lifelong friendship. So, if you’re sitting on your front porch and see a new passerby, why not say hello? Or if you’re at the store, at a party or just out and about, make a point to meet and greet new people, and you never know who you might find!
Get More Exercise
This is kind of a classic, but working out more never hurts, and there are great ways to make it fun. Walk with a friend, join a biking group or get out on the water for some kayaking or paddle boarding. Think of it less like a workout and more like playing with health benefits. Before long, you’ll wonder why exercise wasn’t a regular part of your routine.
Play More and Stress Less
Speaking of playing, having fun in 2020 is a great way to reduce stress. From the workplace, home, finances and other sources, stress affects all of us to some extent, and too much can have serious health consequences. So be sure to schedule some downtime this year. Go out with friends, take yourself on a shopping spree downtown, or find a new event or class to try out. A community like Wildlight is built for residents to live and play, but you can make your own fun anywhere. And in doing so, you’ll be making an even better 2020.
Happy New Year!